Joanne Victoria, born May 20, 1918, passed away on March 26, 2003 in White Rock, B.C. Lovingly remembered by sisters Eleanore Hume of West Vancouver and Eanswythe Shillabeer of Wetaskwin, AB; nieces and nephews Fred Hume and Dorothy Allen of Vancouver; Joanne Hume-Nigro of New York; Howard Hume of Sechelt; Donald Falconer of Toronto; Nancy Falconer of Dunedin, ON; John Shillabeer of Qualicum Beach; Catherine Leonard of Sherwood Park, AB; Audrey Shillabeer of Battle Lake, AB; Mary Shillabeer Matier of Calgary and her god-daughters Kathryn Neilson of Vancouver and Fiona McLeod Gamache of Monte Lake, B.C.
Predeceased by parents Bertram Leslie Brown and Annie Luella Sparling, sister Mary Falconer, nephew Robert Shillabeer and companion Norah Greene.
Joanne was an intelligent, independent and compassionate woman and a dedicated children's advocate. A graduate of UBC (BA - '39; BSW - '46; MSW '60), her career focused on the Province's Child Welfare Division where she helped pioneer the concept of itinerant providers of social services and went on to become Deputy Superintendent of Child Welfare from 1974-79. As well, a firm advocate of the power of education, she led by quiet conviction and loyal support of her causes. Throughout her life she was a steadfast supporter of the NDP.
Joanne loved books, botany, bird watching and travelling especially throughout Canada and Ireland. She will be lovingly remembered for her many wonderful attributes, not the least among them her wit, and her optimism, and her inspired example of hard work, sound ethics and a strong social conscience.
In keeping with Joanne's wishes, there is no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace Arch Hospital, GATU (Geriatric Assessment and Treatment Unit), 15521 Russell Ave., White Rock, B.C. V4B 2R4.
Condolences may be forwarded to Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 14615 - 16th Ave., White Rock, B.C. V4A 1R4.